Noel Whelan has criticised the two ex-footballers involved in the decision to ban Leeds United midfielder Jordan Stevens, after he was suspended from all football-related activity for six weeks for breaking Football Association betting rules.

The 19-year-old was banned from all football-related activity for six weeks and was also fined £1,200, after admitting to a charge of placing 59 bets on football matches last season.

Leeds released a statement on their club website earlier this week, admitting that the club are disappointed with the FA's choice of punishment.

Former Leeds striker Whelan has given his take on the situation, calling it a disgrace that the young player has been handed such a punishment and singled out the two ex-footballers - Stuart Ripley and Uno Onwere - for their role in the decision.

“The weirdest thing is that it was the two ex-footballers on the panel. Shame on them. How would they feel, put themselves in his shoes, as a young boy, they’re taking his football away from him,” Whelan told Football Insider.

“That is not beneficial for him in his game, that is more detrimental, personally and psychologically.

“I do not see him being punished by taking his football away, when there are so many mental health issues out there already, that this is going to be good for his mind. I think it’s disgusting.

“These two football players, who are on the panel and have made this decision, need to be held accountable for this because it’s an absolute disgrace.”

Stevens has made just one first-team appearance for Leeds since joining the club from Forest Green Rovers in February 2018, although he has appeared on the bench in the Championship a few times.

Leeds are currently third in the Championship able after winning four of their opening six matches this season and will be hoping to continue their momentum with another three points against Barnsley at the weekend.

The Verdict

I actually agree with Whelan here. Stevens is a young player and he's made a foolish mistake - he deserves to be punished, but I really don't see how banning him from all football-related activity will help.

He needs to learn from his mistake and the club should be able to help him do that, but they can't do that properly because of his ban. I think he should be able to at least attend training.

I think it's a harsh punishment and I'm quite surprised that two ex-footballers were involved in the decision, as they'll be able to understand what effect this will have on the player.